7 weekend getaway mistakes travelers should avoid
Weekend getaways are an underrated way to travel — especially if you're short on time or trying to stick to a budget. However, a quick trip can easily get off track if you don't plan appropriately.
Here are the six most common mistakes you should avoid to ensure you have a smooth weekend escape.
Picking a destination too far away
Time is of the essence on a weekend trip. You only have a few days to soak in a new destination, and you don't want a long-haul flight or a road trip to eat up too much of that time.
Whether you're flying or driving, we recommend aiming for a destination no more than five hours away. That leaves you with plenty of time to actually enjoy your trip before you have to head home.
Related: 18 best weekend getaways in the US
Not being strategic with your flight times
The time of day you fly matters, especially on a short trip. But there are a few common misconceptions about how to pick flight times to maximize your trip.
For your outbound flight, book a morning departure. Early morning flights are less likely to be delayed, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data, and it means you'll have more time to spend in your actual destination. Plus, specifically in the summertime, the weather is also a factor. TPG principal spokesperson Clint Henderson canceled a trip to Washington, D.C., after flights on Friday were delayed and canceled, and he realized nearly half of his "quick weekend away" would be spent at the airport.
For your return flight, you may assume taking the last flight out is your best option to maximize your time. For some people, that may be true, but in our experience, it's better to head out earlier in the day. "Usually by Sunday, I am just ready to be home and always wish I had booked the earlier flight," said TPG director of sales enablement Brooke Willaby.
Booking a hotel too far away from the action
It can be tempting to stay outside the main tourist areas to save money, but during a quick getaway, the money saved can easily be outweighed by the time, money and hassle of commuting.
This is where using your points and credit card benefits can be a huge help. Weekend trips are the perfect time to use those free night certificates and travel portal credits, and a shorter trip will cost you fewer points (making it easier to use a smaller stash of points on a redemption). That way, you don't have to sacrifice convenience or precious time commuting just to save money.
Related: 10 points hotels to book near major cities for an easy, last-minute summer getaway
Overpacking
Admittedly, I am the queen of overpacking. I like having multiple outfit options, and I don't like to sacrifice steps in my skincare routine. But after I've lugged an overstuffed bag around all weekend (and left multiple items unworn), I always regret not sticking to the basics.
When you are just taking a short trip, a full skincare routine and multiple backup outfits aren't necessary. Plan what you plan to wear based on your itinerary, strategically pick items you can mix and match, and keep your toiletries to the things you know you can't live without.
Related: 5 travel packing tips to save space in your luggage
Bringing the wrong type of luggage
Speaking of lugging an overstuffed bag around ... Not all luggage is made for all types of trips.
If you're flying on a regional jet or doing a lot of walking with your luggage, a small, wheeled carry-on may be better than an overstuffed backpack.
For example, TPG credit cards editor Olivia Mittak found a backpack easier to manage on a recent weekend trip to Vancouver. "My backpack was stuffed to the brim, so it wouldn't fit in the tiny overhead bin and almost got completely stuck under the seat in front of me on my flight back. It was also a lot of weight to carry-on my back all around the city."
Alternatively, if you know you'll be taking a lot of stairs or walking across uneven terrain, a backpack is likely the better option. TPG managing editor of loyalty content Lyndsey Matthews always opts for a backpack when she's taking Amtrak and dealing with a lot of stairs. And I can personally attest that dragging a wheelie bag over the cobblestone streets and a million stairs throughout Edinburgh isn't a fun experience.
Cramming your itinerary
When you only have a couple of days in a destination, you may be tempted to pack every minute of every day so you can soak in as much as possible. While I certainly understand the impulse, it can easily make your trip more stressful and leave you more exhausted at the end than when you started.
If you're headed somewhere new for a weekend trip, pick a few standout must-do activities and leave room for exploration and rest. Not only will it mean you're more likely to come home feeling refreshed, but it also allows for unexpected experiences you didn't plan for. Sometimes, those are the best parts of a trip.
Bottom line: Not doing your research
There's a common thread that connects most of these mistakes. A weekend trip may seem like the perfect time to fly by the seat of your pants, but when you only have a small amount of time in a destination, it's even more important to do your research before you leave.
Identify can't-miss itinerary items, pick a place to stay that's convenient to those things, pre-book the things that require a reservation or tickets, figure out transportation (whether you're driving yourself, booking a ride-hailing service or using public transit) and know what you plan to wear.
Doing the work on the front end will save you time and stress during your actual trip and help you avoid many of the mistakes I've listed above.
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